Republicans: Christie Could've Contended in NH
Poll shows favorable opinions of the New Jersey governor.
Chris Christie could have been a contender for the GOP presidential nomination if he had decided to jump into the race, according to influential Republicans in New Hampshire and two other early-voting states.
Fifty-seven percent of the 156 Republicans in New Hampshire, Iowa and South Carolina surveyed for the latest Patch-Huffington Post Power Outsiders Poll used positive words to describe the New Jersey governor, who announced Tuesday that he would not run for president. The most frequent positive words used to describe him were "bold," "strong," "direct" and "leader."
Only 16 percent of the words used to describe Christie were unambiguously negative, including "unknown," "unproven" and "inexperienced."
Four out of five of those polled said Christie would make a good president, and 76 percent said they thought he could beat Barack Obama in a general election.
The positive views of Christie fell just short of what Mitt Romney registered, but are nearly identical to the reactions to Rick Perry in early September just after entering the presidential race.
Each week, our local Patch editors will be asking influential New Hampshire Republicans questions about the presidential campaign, and we'll report the results here.
We’re still looking to expand our list of influential members of both parties in New Hampshire. If you’d like to participate, email marc.fortier@patch.com and we’ll connect you with the appropriate Patch editor.
Kyle Stucker
12:18 pm on Wednesday, October 5, 2011
What do you think? Could Christie have beaten Romney — the current frontrunner — in New Hampshire? Take the poll in this article and let us know!
lovecookie
1:56 pm on Wednesday, October 5, 2011
I think instead of focusing on "What if...?" we should really be focusing on "What next?" This country is on the verge of crisis. We need a true leader who has a solid understanding of history and the issues we are currently facing, a leader who offers common sense solutions based on the principles of our Founding Fathers. We need someone with a solid voting record who doesn't pander to special interests, who has uncompromising ethics and has never voted for unconstitutional legislation, someone who has remained consistent in his views and message for over 30 years. That is why I support Ron Paul for President in 2012. For all you doubters out there, please, turn of the mainstream news and take it upon yourself do do your own research, go to YouTube and listen to Dr. Paul speak without being timed or asked ridiculous questions. He just makes sense and I believe he is the only hope for this country. Don't let the media decide for you who should be YOUR president.
Restore America Now! Ron Paul 2012!
ItBeMe
2:51 pm on Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Christie made the right decision. He's not ready for prime time and his heart wasn't in it. He's a young guy who'll possibly have another shot going forward. With the state of this country the next President (Dem or Rep) is going to really have his hands full here and abroad.
Tony Schinella
5:23 pm on Wednesday, October 5, 2011
@ItBeMe: I agree, I think Christie made the right decision too. There are enough Republicans in the race right now with a plethora of different ideas and views on things. I would add, Christie made the right decision based on what was best for him and his family too and sometimes, that is more important than even the nation.
Raymond Whipple
8:51 am on Saturday, October 8, 2011
I think Christie made the right decision not because of the points others brought up here. I think he made a commitment to the people that voted him in office. I do although feel he would make an awesome addition to the race. I know I could see myself voting for him.
Jeff Hatch
10:01 am on Saturday, October 8, 2011
He's got be on everyone short list of VP candidates. I'd love to see Biden and him go at it
ItBeMe
6:02 pm on Saturday, October 8, 2011
I don't think he'd accept VP. Although, I agree, I'd love to see Biden vs Christie in a debate. Of course, Joe contradicts himself so much it's almost as if he debates himself doesn't he?